Mercedes-Benz Viano Trend 2.0 CDI 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £29,435
Tax Band: J
Insurance Group: 28
MPG: 38.7
CO2: 192
0-62 Mph: 14.1 secs
BHP: 134 BHP
Range: 638 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
The Viano Trend 2.0 CDI is the cheapest people carrier in the Viano range, but this still does not make it an attractive option. The engine is weak and the Trend trim does not offer much for your money.

It makes far better sense to spend a little more to get the most out of a Viano people carrier, with an upgrade to the Ambiente version.

PROS:  The cheapest Viano available and the short wheelbase is much more practical than the long wheelbase version.

CONS:  Even though it is the cheapest in the range, the Trend 2.0 CDI is still too much for what it provides.

Behind the Wheel

The Viano is far from speedy, but has quite good handling for such a heavy vehicle. The suspension is not great and does not provide a particularly comfortable drive.

The engine is 2143cc and uses diesel fuel with a fuel tank capacity of 75 litres. There is a six-speed manual gearbox, which provides smooth acceleration.

The engine not as refined as the other Mercedes engines due to how hard it has to be driven to get up to any serious speed and the road and wind noises are also quite loud on the motorway.

The Trend 2.0 CDI has a 134bhp engine delivering 228lb-ft of torque at 1400-2600rpm and reaches 0-62mph in 14.1 seconds with a top speed of 108mph.

Looks & Equipment

The interior of the Viano people carrier is well-designed and high-quality, living up to the reputation of Mercedes-Benz as a stylish manufacturer, but not exactly luxurious given the practical nature of the people carrier.

The seat and steering wheel adjust comfortably and the dash is comprehensive with the Command system proving easy access to the in-car entertainment, although it is a bit more distracting than the BMW’s iDrive system. The seats are supportive and comfortable. Visibility is a little impaired.

The Trend 2.0 CDI comes with power steering, cruise control, metallic paint, air conditioning, stability control, Bluetooth, MP3 connectivity and stereo as standard, with optional extras including leather seats for £2002, alloy wheels for £582, rear parking sensors for £645, satellite navigation for £1710 and climate control for £1034.

For fuel economy, the Viano people carrier has a start/stop system, which allows for great efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Viano people carrier comes with most of the safety equipment you would expect in a high-quality car including driver and passenger airbags (front side airbags are £318), alarm and immobiliser as standard. It also has the stability control, Attention Assist system, which alerts tired drivers, the Pre-Safe anticipatory crash-protection system and a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians in the case of a collision. The main let down is the lack of airbags, considering this car fits up to eight people.

Mercedes-Benz has a great record in reliability and came 6th in the 2011 JD Power survey out of 28 other manufacturers.

The boot is a fairly large size offering 430 litres with the rear seats up. The Viano people carrier has plenty of room in both the front and enough in the back seats for eight passengers in total.

Value for Money

The running costs are high with the Viano people carriers despite the efficient engine stop/start system. The Trend 2.0 CDI model costs £29,420 and has a combined economy of 38.7mpg and CO2 emission rate of 192g/km.

This is the cheapest in the Viano range, but is still too much for the lack of engine power. The running costs are very steep – the expense doesn’t really match the performance of this people carrier.

The Trend version is the most basic and does not come with a great deal of equipment. The upgraded Ambiente version offers much more for your money.

The resale value on the Viano people carrier is not great, but Mercedes-Benz promise good service and reliability as well, although servicing is expensive.

Mercedes-Benz Viano Trend 2.0 CDI 5dr Car Review - by 
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Mercedes-Benz Viano Trend 2.0 CDI 5dr - March 2012
The Viano Trend 2.0 CDI is the cheapest people carrier in the Viano range, but this still does not make it an attractive option. The engine is weak and the Trend trim does not offer much for your m...
Mercedes-Benz Viano Ambiente 2.2 CDI Long Auto 5dr - March 2012
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